The A25 is Arcam’s premium offering in the Radia range. It’s a pleasure on both the ears and eyes, and it’s clear sonically and visually that meticulous attention has been paid to the finer details of the design to ensure the overall effect on the senses.
Utilising the 5th generation of Arcam’s patented Class G amp design gives the A25 100 watts of power at 8 ohms and you can expect a powerful, warm and detailed sound. The Class G design aims to combine the sonic purity of Class A, which is typically involves the use of tubes and is energy inefficient, with the power efficiency of Class AB. Class AB whilst more efficient, has the drawback of crossover distortion as the audio signal is pulled between two transistors. Class G overcomes these drawbacks by using a system of switching power supplies depending on the power output required which is an audio equivalent of a car hybrid engine with a turbo built in.
Arcam are particularly proud of the Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage on the A25. They have a reputation for developing excellent internal phono stages and with the A25 they’ve provided another great example. You can expect a lively and balanced sound. Alongside the phono stage on the analogue side there are 3 RCA inputs and 1 pre-out to connect a power amplifier.
On the digital side the A25 offers flexibility with input sources and compatibility with a plethora of digital formats, including optical, digital co-axial and sample rates supported up to the dizzying heights of 32 bit / 384kHz or DSD 256 via USB-C input. This is all powered by the mighty ESS SABRE 9280A Pro chip which is an industry leader for performance.
Careful consideration has been applied to the Bluetooth functionality too, which besides supporting the usual array of codecs, works as both a transmitter and receiver. This nice touch enables you to listen on wireless headphones as well as featuring a 3.5mm port on the front for wired headphones if you prefer.
Enjoy Arcam’s ultimate sound quality, with the A25.
Even the packaging has been given a meticulous design treatment; it’s eco-friendly and so ergonomic it’s like a small ADSR therapy session unboxing it. While the A25 is a great all-rounder, it truly excels when it’s playing jazz and classical, especially when paired with the right speakers. For the in store demo we set up the A25 with the companion streamer, the ST5, The Pro-Ject Debut Pro with Chord EpicXL speaker cables and EpicX interconnects. We’re using the floorstanding Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3.
First up is streaming Rickie Lee Jones’ Chuck E’s in Love via Tidal Connect. It’s a breezy, jazz-infused gem with whimsical vocals and a bouncy rhythm section track for a fun testing of the jazz chops of any system. The A25 captures Rickie’s expressive phrasing with clarity and warmth, and overall, there’s enough sparkle to keep the swing of the piano and saxophone centre stage.
Next on Tidal Connect we’ve got DeBussy’s Clair de Lune. This piano masterpiece reveals the A25’s finesse with delicate dynamics and tonal nuance. The opening notes emerge softly, and as the piece builds, the amplifier maintains poise and headroom. This is ideal for appreciating the A25’s control and clarity.
We switch to vinyl with Norah Jone’s Feelin’ the Same Way. The phono stage in the A25 allows her voice to float with intimacy, while the neutral clarity reveals the beautiful imperfections of the vocal sibilance that are absent on the CD. The guitar and piano sound grounded and maintain an organic timbre.
The A25 lends itself well to a powerful, balanced and clear sound. At first listen you can tell there’s a lot of muscle behind Class G, but that’s not just brute force. It’s refined, responsive, and above all else, musical. Whether you’re streaming a hi-res jazz ballad or spinning a classic piece of vinyl, the A25 makes every note feel intentional, immersive, and beautifully alive. Another fine example of what the Great British Sound can reveal in your recordings.
To hear your own favourite recordings, or even more of ours on the A25 arrange a demo with your local Richer Sounds store who will be happy to help.
Author: Dan, Kingston Store
